Seeker set for international repeat

Clive Cox is hoping New Seeker can repeat last year’s success in the totesport International Handicap at Ascot tomorrow despite being burdened with 16lb more.

The Green Desert colt carried 7st 12lb to victory when making all the running on the stands side in the hands of Jimmy Quinn last July.

He is something of an Ascot regular as his last five runs have all been at the Berkshire track, starting with victory in the Britannia Stakes at the Royal meeting in 2003.

Jamie Spencer who was in the saddle on that occasion takes the ride again and Cox is looking for a big run from his four-year-old.

“He’s dropping back to seven furlongs but I’m sure it will help him that Jamie is on board as he knows him and won the Britannia on him at this course last year,” said the Lambourn trainer.

Michael Jarvis has done well to bring St Andrews back from a career-threatening injury, the four-year-old finishing a very creditable head second to Pentecost at Sandown three weeks ago.

The Newmarket trainer said of his charge: “He was a decent two-year-old but then last spring he sustained a bad fracture of his right hind fetlock joint.

“He’s come back and finished second in two of his three outings this year but after injuries like that they are seldom as good as they were.

“From his draw (11) he will most likely be edging left to join the stand side horses assuming they split into two groups.”

Although 27 horses were declared at yesterday’s final stage, the field is likely to be reduced by five with the following being named as doubtful runners by their trainers: Quito, Colisay, Philharmonic, Bravo Maestro and St Pancras.